The EARL of MOUNTCASHELLcalled the attention of the noble Marquess opposite to the rumours that the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was about to be abolished. These rumours had gained ground, and the impression was universal that some such important change was about to take place. It was even stated that Her Majesty's Government was in communication with the Lord Lieutenant on the subject, and that a series of queries had been sent to be answered by the noble Marquess. He had now to ask whether or no the rumours to which he had alluded rested upon any true foundation? In case of the noble Marquess replying in the affirmative, he wished to make some observations upon the subject.
§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEThe noble Earl has stated, that it was his intention to ask a certain question of Her Majesty's Government. Upon the part of that Government I am prepared to answer that question; but when the noble Earl says, that in the event of my returning a particular answer, he will make some observations on the subject, I apprehend he is decidedly out of order. If the noble Earl be not satisfied with my answer, it is open to him to give notice of a Motion upon the subject.
§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEThe noble Earl has asked whether it be true, that the office of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland is about to be abolished? It is not in my power to give the noble Earl any information as to the future intentions of Her Majesty's Government upon that subject. When any such important change is contemplated, duo notice will be given of it to Parliament, and sufficient time will be allowed for its full discussion. The noble Earl may be assured that such will be the case: the more certainly, inasmuch as the abolition of such an office as the Lord Lieutenancy can only be effected by the decision of the Legislature embodied in an Act of Parliament.